She was born Oct. 11, 1926 in Columbia, Miss. to the late Samuel Franklin and Ida Joyce Ward Height. Bessie was a long time resident of Athens and a member of Livingstone Fellowship Church. She loved to cook and go fishing, She was a very loving mother who devoted her time supporting and participating in every aspect of her children’s lives. She was an avid Dallas Cowboy and LSU tiger fan , and had a passionate love for pets.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley McGee, in 1976 and a grandson, Wiley Darnell LeBleu, in 1999.

Naomi “Nana” Harton Henning Cogdell went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ March 7, 2013.

She was born May 28, 1919 in Anderson County to the late Clinton Walker and Ethel Gertrude Wright Harton. In 1936, Naomi married Willard D. Henning. They lived in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. When Willard passed away in 1959 Naomi moved with her daughter, Ethelene, back to Athens. Naomi went to beauty school and became a hair dresser. In 1967 Naomi married Bill “Papa” Cogdell. They were married until his death in 2008. Naomi and Bill were active members of First Baptist Church. They won yard of the month two times.

Naomi and Bill had a strong sense of community. If there was a need from a neighbor or friend, she wouldn’t just bring a dish, but prepare the whole meal. Nana and Papa had a special spot in their hearts for their lovely great-granddaughter, Courtnie Lynn, always preparing her favorite holiday food, Chop Suey.

Mrs. Cogdell is preceded in death by her two husbands Willard Henning and Bill Cogdell; sisters, Captola Turlington and husband Jerome and Dorothy Marie Harton.

She was born Feb. 3, 1951 in Merkel to the late Amos Jackson and Ella Ray Walter. After receiving her high school accredidation, Brenda earned a degree as a Registered Nurse from Trinity Valley Community College. She served as a nurse at University of Texas Medical Branch in Palestine and was a nurse manager for Austin State School. Brenda had been a resident of Athens 20 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers David Morris, Stanley Morris; sisters Rosie Chase, Joyce Boan, Jean Holte.

She was born Sept. 13, 1948 in Dallas to the late Sidney Sylvester and Martha Adele Nelson Johnson. Patricia had been a resident of Athens for the past 28 years and was a member of Lake Athens Baptist Church. She was very active in her church and participated in as many activities as she could. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband James H. Murry Sept. 5, 2001.